Hasan (centre) in a group photo with the delegates.
KUCHING: A delegation of 61 Dayak businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals went on a tour of Phnom Penh and Siem Riep in Cambodia recently to explore prospects in oil and gas, construction, tourism and other possible business ventures.
Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in a statement issued from its secretariat, said the trip from Oct 10 to 16 was a worthwhile and memorable experience for all.
“We saw and learnt about Cambodia, its culture, its peoples and the Cambodian economy especially its tourism industry, a significant player in the economy.
“From the visit to ‘The Killing Fields’, we learnt about the atrocities of war and appreciated how Cambodia came out of the chaotic political situation of the 1970s and within less than 50 years, it has turned into a fast moving and developing nation.,” it said.
The delegation was led by chef de mission and DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, while its delegation members comprised DCCI advisor Dato Henry Harry Jinep, deputy president Kilat Beriak, secretary general Libat Langub, treasurer Allan Keripin, vice president Christopher Gira and other supreme council members.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos, community leaders Pemancha Datuk Janggu Banyang from Julau, Penghulu Andreson Ngalai (Selangau) and Tuai Rumah Jerom Liban (Sarikei), as well as a prominent Dayak entrepreneur Datuk Anthony Abang, were among those joining the trip.
They also paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, who told them that Cambodian economy is open, kind, receptive and helpful to foreign investors.
“Malaysia used to be among the top investors but no longer so now. The leading investor is China.
“The Ambassador encouraged Malaysian businessmen and professionals to seek investment opportunities in Cambodia and assured that Malaysian Embassy officials will gladly offer the necessary assistance,” said the statement.
It also noted that Cambodia enjoys religious freedom, strong and full governmental support in enhancing and driving initiatives and creativity among the rural Cambodian towards active participations in cultural, religious and rural economic tourism.
“Their achievements in tourism industry is a national pride and reflected by the fact that at least 6 million foreign tourists visited the internationally renowned Angkor Wat in Siem Riep annually.
“Also a majority of employees work in tourism related activities especially in Siem Riep,” it added.